By Andrew Osborn and Alexander Marrow (Reuters) -Russian leader Vladimir Putin told Iran's president over the phone on Friday that Moscow condemned Israeli actions against Tehran, and in a separate telephone conversation told Israel's prime minister that only diplomacy could resolve issues around Iran's nuclear programme.

Israel launched a wave of strikes last Friday against Iran's nuclear sites and military leadership, and Iran has responded by firing missiles at Israeli cities. "The potential dangerous consequences of strikes on nuclear infrastructure facilities are obvious to everyone.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) questioned the idea of Russian President Vladimir Putin playing a role in the negotiations between Israel and Iran, citing how Putin did “nothing” when Syria requested Russia’s aid last year.